I rode 10 miles on my training bicycle day before yesterday, yesterday's exercise consisted of pushing gravel off of the driveway with a push broom. Scheduled a walk down the coastal trail today to get out and get some fresh air. I have had some issues with eating breakfast first thing in the morning lately - today I had a banana, an egg and a piece of homemade wheat bread toast.
My weight has gone from 157 to 159 to 156 since the return from Ireland. I'm not entirely please with myself at this point, I'm sure it will improve this month!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Ahhh Ireland! THE BUTTER EXPERIMENT!
Wanting a new perspective, and a old-world experience I ventured to Ireland to experience things new and old. With the only expectation being "the unexpected" I was open for trying new things and gaining new insight. It was wonderful! The sights were staggering in a balance of days gone by, and modern day "keeping the pace" - a lesson in contrast and balance.
As this relates to diet - I was a bit concerned about sticking to the program, considering that the two highly touted items on the Irish menu are butter and guinness. Preface this with the fact that I have gone through years of what I thought was a hormonal issue, to realize last October that once I eliminated dairy from my diet the hives and skin problems immediately healed, as such I have sworn off milk, ice cream, cheese and butter entirely! (Yes, it hurts!) On a hunch, I decided on day 2 to test the waters on my recently discovered lactose intolerance and see if I was equally affected by Irish dairy, so let's start with the best of the best - butter.
The first creamy taste of Irish butter was enough to have me looking forward this little experiment - Irish butter is better, much much better! I can only describe it as the difference between drinking a sip of fresh cream, and sip of watered down 1% milk. After my first taste, I felt a little apprehensive, waiting for the hives to appear on face and wrists - so I only had 1 piece of bread lightly spread with the oh-so-creamy and delicious Irish butter. To my surprise, no unpleasant side effects. I ventured on to slathering on the butter, then to the cheese, not just a bite, but a whole cheese tray - still no unpleasant side effects. By the 7th day or so, I finally got brave enough to have cereal with milk - I have given up milk in my coffee, cereal, resorting to cooking with powdered milk, and using rice milk as a substitute otherwise. The European equivalent to our shredded wheat, and a bowl of milk I thought for sure would bring out the hives. Nothing. AMAZING!
You can imagine that on the last morning in Ireland, a tear in my eye formed as I was spreading my last pat of creamy Irish butter on my last piece of brown Irish soda bread, I savored every bite. It leaves to question what really is the difference between the dairy products being served up on American tables, and the dairy served in other parts of the world. It's well worth looking into.
As we lifted off in Dublin, I waved a sad goodbye to Irish butter as I affectionately embraced in my mind for the keeping, the green landscape dotted with fat grass-fed Irish cows and fluffy Irish sheep! The whole experience had me back up to 157.2 when I got on the scale at home - I will be smiling the whole time as I'm jogging off those pounds! No regrets!
As this relates to diet - I was a bit concerned about sticking to the program, considering that the two highly touted items on the Irish menu are butter and guinness. Preface this with the fact that I have gone through years of what I thought was a hormonal issue, to realize last October that once I eliminated dairy from my diet the hives and skin problems immediately healed, as such I have sworn off milk, ice cream, cheese and butter entirely! (Yes, it hurts!) On a hunch, I decided on day 2 to test the waters on my recently discovered lactose intolerance and see if I was equally affected by Irish dairy, so let's start with the best of the best - butter.
The first creamy taste of Irish butter was enough to have me looking forward this little experiment - Irish butter is better, much much better! I can only describe it as the difference between drinking a sip of fresh cream, and sip of watered down 1% milk. After my first taste, I felt a little apprehensive, waiting for the hives to appear on face and wrists - so I only had 1 piece of bread lightly spread with the oh-so-creamy and delicious Irish butter. To my surprise, no unpleasant side effects. I ventured on to slathering on the butter, then to the cheese, not just a bite, but a whole cheese tray - still no unpleasant side effects. By the 7th day or so, I finally got brave enough to have cereal with milk - I have given up milk in my coffee, cereal, resorting to cooking with powdered milk, and using rice milk as a substitute otherwise. The European equivalent to our shredded wheat, and a bowl of milk I thought for sure would bring out the hives. Nothing. AMAZING!
You can imagine that on the last morning in Ireland, a tear in my eye formed as I was spreading my last pat of creamy Irish butter on my last piece of brown Irish soda bread, I savored every bite. It leaves to question what really is the difference between the dairy products being served up on American tables, and the dairy served in other parts of the world. It's well worth looking into.
As we lifted off in Dublin, I waved a sad goodbye to Irish butter as I affectionately embraced in my mind for the keeping, the green landscape dotted with fat grass-fed Irish cows and fluffy Irish sheep! The whole experience had me back up to 157.2 when I got on the scale at home - I will be smiling the whole time as I'm jogging off those pounds! No regrets!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
155.4 Again - Must've Found The Maintenance Formula!
The way I look at this, once I do get to my target fitness level, at least I seem to have found the formula for maintaining the same weight!
Today I will get some exercise shoveling the walkways - it's been gorgeous here and should be another sunny day! I love springtime in Alaska for the longer days and the sun sparkling off of the snow - the cutest little girl told me the other day that it looks like diamonds.
Today I will get some exercise shoveling the walkways - it's been gorgeous here and should be another sunny day! I love springtime in Alaska for the longer days and the sun sparkling off of the snow - the cutest little girl told me the other day that it looks like diamonds.
Monday, March 14, 2011
154.6 and coasting..... This is why the BLOG!
So, I've been slacking - too much coffee in the morning, skipping the snacks, and not enough water. This is what happens when "life gets in the way" of trying to establish a routine. That area of weakness that creeps in and causes me to temporarily forgo my goals. Fortunately my pain threshold is getting lower, so I am less willing to put up with being disappointed in myself.
I'm starting off this week with a dose of cranberry juice (boil cranberries and drink the liquid - that's it!) to help boost the immune system and remove toxins, another good piece of information from La'Net, my healthiest friend, which she passed on from her brother.
After the plumber leaves today I've got to hit the grocery store to stock back up on fresh veges.
Someone - please send me a message or give me a call when you see me dropping out of the BLOG. It's probably a sign that I need a little boost!
To all of our health and happiness!
I'm starting off this week with a dose of cranberry juice (boil cranberries and drink the liquid - that's it!) to help boost the immune system and remove toxins, another good piece of information from La'Net, my healthiest friend, which she passed on from her brother.
After the plumber leaves today I've got to hit the grocery store to stock back up on fresh veges.
Someone - please send me a message or give me a call when you see me dropping out of the BLOG. It's probably a sign that I need a little boost!
To all of our health and happiness!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Another week - 155.2
Lots of activity this week - I lost track of the meal schedule and am amazed that I didn't gain weight. The elimination of white flour and sugar has got to be part of that - I can certainly feel a difference in my energy and my sleep by going off-schedule!
Working to have a better progress report very soon!
Working to have a better progress report very soon!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I Forgot to Mention...
At the beginning of all of this was the "snowpants incident".
I can't believe that I forgot to mention that I have been wearing those very snowpants all week on my cross-country skiing escapades! They are a little tight - but after I slept in them a few times they loosened up! (kidding)
It may seem silly, but these are the same snowpants I've had since I was 18 - and they were loose back then. Granted, I'm not trying to get back to my 18 year old body - just somewhere in the middle where I can feel confident that I am presenting myself the way I feel inside, and that my body doesn't limit me from doing things that I enjoy.
We all deserve that!
I can't believe that I forgot to mention that I have been wearing those very snowpants all week on my cross-country skiing escapades! They are a little tight - but after I slept in them a few times they loosened up! (kidding)
It may seem silly, but these are the same snowpants I've had since I was 18 - and they were loose back then. Granted, I'm not trying to get back to my 18 year old body - just somewhere in the middle where I can feel confident that I am presenting myself the way I feel inside, and that my body doesn't limit me from doing things that I enjoy.
We all deserve that!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
And the winner is......155.8 (again)
Same story, different day. Going skiing again tonight and will give the exercise a little time to kick in - the sunshine we have been having lately sure helps the outlook!
Yesterday's downfall: Oysters, scallops and white salad (parsnips, cauliflower, bleu cheese) at Kinley's.
We ate too late and then I wasn't hungry this morning. I've been off all day!
Yesterday's downfall: Oysters, scallops and white salad (parsnips, cauliflower, bleu cheese) at Kinley's.
We ate too late and then I wasn't hungry this morning. I've been off all day!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Ate Breakfast Before Weigh-In
Went skiing again last night - got up early and ate breakfast before I thought about weigh-in this morning so no news to report there. The focus today is hydration - my horoscope even said to drink extra water today. Strange but I'll go with it!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
154.8 Today - X-Country Skiing - Cold But FUN!
I went cross-country skiing this morning with a friend, I am so glad we went! It was great fun once I got outside even though it is was about 10 degrees (F) and chilly in the beginning, it is refreshing to get some our in the clean, crisp air and feel the sunshine on your face in the winter!
Breakfast Today: Eggs & Venison for breakfast on the way out the door - nice protein blast but not quite according to plan!
Lunch: Soup, banana bread, coffee on the porch
Dinner: Planning for baked chicken, salad, and quinoa
YUM!
Breakfast Today: Eggs & Venison for breakfast on the way out the door - nice protein blast but not quite according to plan!
Lunch: Soup, banana bread, coffee on the porch
Dinner: Planning for baked chicken, salad, and quinoa
YUM!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Fur Rondy Today! 155.8 This Morning - Doing Something Wrong...
Successes to Date: Making breakfast a priority, eliminating milk & cheese (Healthier skin, elimination of joint pain!)
Areas to Improve: Implementing regular exercise, eating dinner earlier, getting the afternoon snack in the mix, drink more water
While I am happy with maintaining the 10 lb loss, it's time to kick this program into gear!
I have a cross-country ski date with a friend this afternoon if it warms up - and as much as I despise exercise for the sake of exercise I'm afraid it is a necessary evil if I want to maintain 130 lbs vs. 155 lbs. UGH!
Areas to Improve: Implementing regular exercise, eating dinner earlier, getting the afternoon snack in the mix, drink more water
While I am happy with maintaining the 10 lb loss, it's time to kick this program into gear!
I have a cross-country ski date with a friend this afternoon if it warms up - and as much as I despise exercise for the sake of exercise I'm afraid it is a necessary evil if I want to maintain 130 lbs vs. 155 lbs. UGH!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
154.8
Last night we had a photo shoot in the hot tub - big fun thanks to a few good sports who agreed to model! I must say putting on the swimsuit was a bit daunting, luckily they weren't looking for bikini models!
I've been back to focusing on eating foods with 1 ingredient - it seems to be working - despite my lack of following the 5 meal rule. I have an easy time incorporating the breakfast, lunch and mid-afternoon snack before dinner. The mid-morning snack often gets forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the day...
Must work on that....
I've been back to focusing on eating foods with 1 ingredient - it seems to be working - despite my lack of following the 5 meal rule. I have an easy time incorporating the breakfast, lunch and mid-afternoon snack before dinner. The mid-morning snack often gets forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the day...
Must work on that....
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
155.4 Up Bright & Early Today
This morning the full moon beaming in the window had me up at 5:00 a.m. I started the day with a glass of lemon water, then 1/2 cup of coffee about an hour later.
I can tell that although the numbers on the scale haven't moved much lately - the weight distribution on my body is different. It looks as though the water-weight is gone, and what is left is a layer of "insulation", as we affectionately call it in Alaska. :)
I've been putting the start of an exercise regimen on the back burner, and supplementing with extra chores around the house, but I can tell it is time to add more structure to the routine. I know, I know, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! I had those bicycle pants on a few days ago and ended up mopping the floors - but hey, at least the house is clean!
I can tell that although the numbers on the scale haven't moved much lately - the weight distribution on my body is different. It looks as though the water-weight is gone, and what is left is a layer of "insulation", as we affectionately call it in Alaska. :)
I've been putting the start of an exercise regimen on the back burner, and supplementing with extra chores around the house, but I can tell it is time to add more structure to the routine. I know, I know, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! I had those bicycle pants on a few days ago and ended up mopping the floors - but hey, at least the house is clean!
Monday, February 21, 2011
155-ish.... Missed the Weigh-In Today
Fighting sugar cravings all day today and got this in the Eat Clean Newsletter so thought I'd share it.
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/food_and_recipes/clean_recipe.aspx?Treats
Recipes for when you are craving sugar and want a healthy alternative that is still a treat!
Not very lively lately, I know...
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/food_and_recipes/clean_recipe.aspx?Treats
Recipes for when you are craving sugar and want a healthy alternative that is still a treat!
Not very lively lately, I know...
Sunday, February 20, 2011
155.2 - Stairs and More Stairs Today
Shoveled snow yesterday for exercise and climbed stairs all day today back and forth to the B&B rooms. Looking forward to the week - we have guests coming in and lots of work to do!
Scrambled eggs with cilantro and onions this morning, celery and almond butter for snack, homemade vegetable soup with mixed greens for lunch and dinner.
Focusing this week on goals and health - taxes, travel, and investments. A healthy approach to each day is definitely in order!
Scrambled eggs with cilantro and onions this morning, celery and almond butter for snack, homemade vegetable soup with mixed greens for lunch and dinner.
Focusing this week on goals and health - taxes, travel, and investments. A healthy approach to each day is definitely in order!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
155.8 Partly Sunny Skies - Time to Get Moving!
Longer days are making the body restless although summer is months away... It is sunny and cold here today and it feels like a day to grab the ski's or snowshoes and get outside in the fresh air.
I'll write more later - lots of things on my mind and lots to do today...
I'll write more later - lots of things on my mind and lots to do today...
Friday, February 18, 2011
157.2 Stuck in a Blizzard
Waiting for the snowplow to get here - it's the kind of day when I would eat a bowl of ramen noodles and a grilled cheese sandwich! I've managed to avoid sandwiches by wrapping most anything I would normally put between bread in a few leaves of lettuce. Halibut wraps are the best, but turkey and chicken are great too!
No appetite the past few days and having a tough time staying on the program. I'm eating good foods - just eating too little. I think I'll make some vegetable soup lunch.
No appetite the past few days and having a tough time staying on the program. I'm eating good foods - just eating too little. I think I'll make some vegetable soup lunch.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
158.2 Haven't I been here before?
Heading back down the hill on this roller-coaster ride. I'm sitting here in my bicycle pants with the best intentions of putting together the "trainer" to convert my road bike into an indoor training cycle.
I fed the remains of the potato chips and crackers from the weekend festivities to the birds this morning - so we're back to only a house full of healthy options.
I'm not hungry at all today but I'm going to open the book and use the recipes since my better judgment seems to have escaped me!
I fed the remains of the potato chips and crackers from the weekend festivities to the birds this morning - so we're back to only a house full of healthy options.
I'm not hungry at all today but I'm going to open the book and use the recipes since my better judgment seems to have escaped me!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
159.0 Code Red
So among other things over the weekend the battery died on the scale - just got a new one, and I know they don't recommend weighing every day but it helps me to stay focused as I'm making food choices.
I would say that the biggest culprit over the past few days causing weight gain has been the Wild Women on Wine party on Saturday night, which was a great time with fun and interesting people - and the Valentine's Day dinner last night.
CODE RED.... Red Meat and Red Wine - so good and yet sooooo bad!
I somehow managed to avoid the usual February 14th overindulgence in chocolate - so there's that to be thankful about!
In other news: "Go Team Spence!" getting ready for the Iron Dog this weekend!!!
I would say that the biggest culprit over the past few days causing weight gain has been the Wild Women on Wine party on Saturday night, which was a great time with fun and interesting people - and the Valentine's Day dinner last night.
CODE RED.... Red Meat and Red Wine - so good and yet sooooo bad!
I somehow managed to avoid the usual February 14th overindulgence in chocolate - so there's that to be thankful about!
In other news: "Go Team Spence!" getting ready for the Iron Dog this weekend!!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
155.0
Yesterday's breakfast was coffee and fruit, lunch blackened salmon salad with olive oil and basil dressing. Last night was an indulgence in a bottle of red wine, and a healthy dinner of venison steak, asparagus with grape tomatoes, and fried potatoes. It all would've been perfect if I hadn't found the box of Christmas chocolates that were hidden in the closet....
The lesson: Only keep healthy foods in the house. Remove the temptations!!
The lesson: Only keep healthy foods in the house. Remove the temptations!!
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